Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 81 (4), 401 - 403 (1999)


Effect of Benidipine on Depolarizing Stimulation-Induced Increase
of Intracellular Calcium Concentration in Cultured Mouse
Hippocampal Neurons

Eiji Tsukuda and Yuzuru Matsuda


Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd., 1188 Shimotogari, Nagaizumi-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka 411 - 8731, Japan

Abstract: We examined the effect of benidipine, a 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, on depolarizing stimulation-induced increases of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons in comparison with those of nicardipine and nilvadipine. Benidipine (0.1 - 10 ƒÊM) inhibited the [Ca2+]i increase compared with the no drug control response. This effect was stronger than those of nicardipine and nilvadipine. The inhibitory effect of benidipine lasted even after washing out the drug for 125 min, while those of nicardipine and nilvadipine disappeared more rapidly. This is the first report that demonstrates that benidipine inhibits the [Ca2+]i increase in the neuron itself.

Keywords: Benidipine, Intracellular calcium concentration, Neuron


Copyright© The Japanese Pharmacological Society 1999

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